Poems and Thoughts    by Frank Maurer

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'The Seasons of Man'. Humans have various important times during their lives-- The so-called 'Seasons of Man'. While observing my seed-laden bird feeder, I have noticed that the myriad of sparrows During the winter months have declined drastically, Now that it is almost May.       Why? Contemplating the seasonal food intake of sparrows, I realized that not only are the natural seed sources now extant, But that the new voracious nest-bound offspring Demonstrate the need in their young lives To have huge amounts of pure protein for growth. The adult need for seed intake now requires protein-laden insects! The behaviour of seed gathering Is dominated by insect hunting for the young. There are several examples of specific food needs throughout life. One is the vegetarian frog tadpole Metamorphosing to the insectivorous-carnivore adult. Mammals also switch from high nurishment milk To a carnivorous, vegetarian or omnivorous life. But, through natural selection, most European humans, especially, Have managed to continue consuming milk in their 'adult stage'. We are all familiar with the lactose intolerant individuals Who, because of the adult, milk consuming culture, Must have a lactose-free 'milk' to continue imbibing with their fellows! Frank Maurer 15 April 2024 0900 Hours.